Bhubaneswar, Sep 11: In a strong move against fraudulent trade practices, Odisha’s Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Minister Krushna Chandra Patra has issued a stern warning to dishonest traders manipulating weights and measures.

Speaking at the 40th Annual General Meeting of the Odisha Legal Metrology Officers’ Association, the minister directed officials to intensify raids and take strict action against violators.

The minister emphasized that traders using faulty or counterfeit measuring instruments — whether in petrol pumps, gold shops, or chicken stalls — will face heavy fines and legal cases.

He urged officers to conduct visible and impactful enforcement to instill fear among dishonest businesses and protect consumer rights.

Patra also called for awareness campaigns at the block level to educate consumers about their rights and encourage them to report fraud. He stressed that only through active enforcement and public participation can the state ensure fair trade practices.

Incentives were also announced for officers who conduct the highest number of raids this year, with promises of awards in the next fiscal cycle. The minister assured that vacant departmental posts will be filled soon, and all necessary resources—including vehicles and infrastructure—will be provided to strengthen enforcement.

Meanwhile, Urban Development Minister Krushna Chandra Mahapatra unveiled plans for New Bhubaneswar, a massive urban expansion project covering 800 acres across Gothapatna, Malipada, and Dashpur. The Bhubaneswar Development Authority (BDA) will invest ₹8,179 crore over the next 15 years.

A landmark agreement was signed between BDA and Singapore’s Surbana Jurong for design and planning, in the presence of the President of Singapore and Odisha’s Chief Minister. The project aims to boost economic growth and provide housing for all sections of society, integrating nearby panchayats into the new urban landscape.